Fluid coupling with tolerance compensation for the flexible connection of two media-conducting elements

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid coupling (1) with tolerance compensation for the flexible connection of two media-conducting elements. The invention was based on the object of improving a fluid coupling (1) of the described type in such a manner that the use of complicated latching systems for transport can be omitted. This object is achieved in that the fluid coupling (1) has at least one transport securing device (8, 12), by means of which a separation of the components (2, 3) of the fluid coupling (1) from one another prior to installation can be prevented.

Claims

1. A fluid coupling comprising: an inner part having an annular groove proximate a first end, a support collar and a latching lug proximate a second end; an outer part having a first end proximate the first end of the inner part, a sleeve shaped region, and a cantilever arm proximate a second end; the cantilever arm configured to protrude in a radially clamping manner over the latching lug of the inner part and comprising a bore into which the latching lug projects; the inner part and the outer part rotatable in a rotational manner with respect to each other about a common longitudinal direction; and the sleeve-shaped region having a step that strikes axially against the support collar of the inner part.

2. The fluid coupling of claim 1, wherein a clamping connection between the cantilever arm and the latching lug maintains connection of the inner part to the outer part in a connected state.

3. The fluid coupling of claim 2, wherein the clamping connection is configured to be broken by application of a force to release the clamping and latching connection between the cantilever arm and the latching lug to transition to a disconnected state.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

(1) FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section through a fluid coupling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(2) An example of the invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of the drawing. FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section through a fluid coupling 1 according to the invention, wherein the fluid coupling is in its transport position. The fluid coupling 1 has an inner part 2 and an outer part 3 which of tubular construction, wherein the inner part 2 can be pushed into the outer part 3. Inner part 2 and outer part 3 are spaced apart over a predetermined axial length by an annular gap 4. In the fitted state, the gap 4 provides for rotational, translational and cardanic movability of the inner part 2 in relation to the outer part 3. In addition, the inner part 2 has an annular groove 5 in which an O ring seal 6 is arranged. During the operation, the O ring seal provides for fluid-tight sealing of inner part 2 in relation to the outer part 3.

(3) The inner part 2 has a radial end collar 7 at its first end 2A. Radially outwardly pointing latching lugs, of which only one latching lug 8 is shown here, are arranged at predetermined points on the radial end collar 7. In addition, the inner part 2 has a further supporting collar 9 spaced apart axially from the end collar 7. The supporting collar 9 serves for restricting the cardanic movability of inner part 2 and outer part 3 during the operation.

(4) At its first end 3A, the outer part 3 has a sleeve-shaped axial region 10 which, in the state shown of the fluid coupling 1, partially protrudes over the radial end collar 7 of the inner part 2. The sleeve-shaped region 10 has a step 10A which, in the state shown, strikes axially against the supporting collar 9 of the inner part 2. At its first end 10B, the sleeve-shaped region 10 has a guide region 11 which reaches axially over the end collar 7 of the inner part with a small radial clearance (not visible here), and thus guides the outer part 3 and the inner part 2 radially in relation to each other, wherein said interaction is effective only in the transport position shown of the fluid coupling 1.

(5) At its first end 10B, the sleeve-shaped region 10 has an axially projecting cantilever arm 12 which, in the position shown, protrudes in a radially clamping manner over the latching lug 8. The cantilever arm 12 has a bore 12A which corresponds to the latching lug 8, wherein the latching lug 8 projects radially into the bore 12A. As a result, a clamping connection with a form-fitting portion exists between the latching lug 8 and the cantilever arm 12.

(6) In order to mount the fluid coupling 1 on fluid-conducting components (not shown here), inner part 2 and outer part 3 can be pulled apart axially from each other, wherein force has to be applied in order to release the clamping and latching connection between the cantilever arm 12 and the latching lug 8.

(7) With this arrangement, the fluid coupling 1 is secured against the outer part 3 unintentionally falling out of the inner part 2 during transport and can nevertheless be provided with an acceptable force to be applied by the worker for the mounting.

LIST OF REFERENCE DESIGNATIONS

(8) (Part of the Description)

(9) 1 fluid coupling

(10) 2 inner part

(11) 2A first end of the inner part 2

(12) 3 outer part

(13) 3A first end of the outer part 3

(14) 4 gap between inner part 2 and outer part 3

(15) 5 annular groove in the inner part 2

(16) 6 O ring seal

(17) 7 end collar of the inner part 2

(18) 8 latching lug

(19) 9 supporting collar

(20) 10 sleeve-shaped region of the outer part 3

(21) 10A step of the sleeve-shaped region 10

(22) 10B first end of the sleeve-shaped region 10

(23) 11 guide region of the sleeve-shaped region 10

(24) 12 cantilever arm

(25) 12A bore of the cantilever arm 12